‘My home’ – Newcastle United fan favourite makes surprise appearance at iconic city-centre location

The streets of Newcastle witnessed an unexpected musical interlude this week as former Magpies hero Jonas Gutierrez treated passersby to an impromptu guitar performance at Grey’s Monument.

The Argentine midfielder, who became a cult figure during his seven-year stint at St James’ Park, shared footage of his busking session on Instagram with an emotional caption: “My city, my home. I am a Geordie, I love this city, I love these people. Thanks for everything @nufc – a dream come true playing guitar at the monument.”

The touching post quickly went viral among the Newcastle faithful, amassing nearly 6,000 likes and sparking waves of nostalgia across social media platforms.

What made the moment particularly special was Gutierrez’s seamless integration into the urban landscape – the unassuming ex-winger strumming his guitar like any local street performer, with many fans walking past unaware they were in the presence of a club legend.

“Too many young fans walking past you and not realizing the legend that you are,” lamented one supporter in the comments, while another humorously admitted: “I’d recognize him but not at Monument playing a guitar.

I would say ‘that busker looks a lot like Gutierrez’.” This delightful anonymity speaks volumes about the 41-year-old’s authentic connection to Tyneside – his ability to blend into the city’s fabric like a true Geordie.

Gutierrez’s Newcastle legacy remains etched in club folklore. Arriving from Real Mallorca in 2008, the man nicknamed “Spiderman” for his iconic goal celebration quickly endeared himself to supporters through his tireless work ethic and infectious personality.

Though his debut season ended in relegation, he became instrumental in Newcastle’s immediate Championship triumph, then helped propel the club to a remarkable fifth-place Premier League finish and Europa League qualification.

Perhaps his most heroic chapter came after overcoming tremendous adversity. Frozen out of the squad and loaned to Norwich, Gutierrez then faced his greatest challenge – a testicular cancer diagnosis in 2013. His triumphant return to health and subsequent comeback to the Newcastle first team embodied the resilience that defined his career.

The winger cemented his legendary status on the final day of the 2014-15 season, providing a goal and assist against West Ham to secure Premier League survival in his farewell appearance for the club.

Since retiring in 2021 after spells in Spain and Argentina, Gutierrez has maintained his bond with Newcastle – a connection beautifully symbolized by his recent musical homecoming.

His spontaneous Monument performance serves as more than just nostalgia; it’s a testament to the unique relationships football can forge between players and cities, and proof that some bonds transcend the boundaries of the pitch.

As the video continues circulating among Newcastle fans, it reinforces why Gutierrez remains one of the most beloved figures in the club’s modern era – not just for what he achieved in black and white, but for how completely he embraced what it means to be Geordie.